Year of the sheep and Planetary alignments for 2015
2015, the year of the Wood Sheep in Chinese astrology
Begins Feb 18, Pacific time, at the new moon
The year of the Wood Sheep begins, with the New Moon in Aquarius, merging the influences of dreamy imaginative Neptune, and disciplined practical Saturn, by aspect. This is the combination we will work with throughout the year, a balancing of two very different energies, inclusiveness, compassion, the power of the imaginative (Neptune) with that which limits and defines in order to create form (Saturn). The Sheep year is a year for healing, slowing the pace, bringing in diplomacy and stability. It is the sign of the family, and highlights intimate bonds with others. Its energy is of sensitivity to oneself and each other. The word kindness becomes a key, kindness to oneself, others, and the Earth. It supports moving into the heart, attuning to love and acceptance, specifically making peace with oneself. It has a radically different flavor than the year of the Horse. Introspection takes on greater importance this year, especially to clarify and balance in preparation 2016 when we enter the year of the Monkey, which is outgoing and adventurous with its projects.
We will really begin to feel its influence in April as the momentum of the last Pluto/Uranus square completes. The Sheep is the patron of the arts, so this year highlights and emphasizes the creative side of our natures. It brings attention to and supports aesthetic ventures and art in the community. This year grounds us from the intensity, challenges, and changes of last year.
On the worldwide situation the year of the Sheep has the potential to bring in successful diplomacy that can curb violence. There will be more tendency for diplomacy and a greater valuing of peace and stability. Overspending will again be an issue to be dealt with. There is the potential to be much more imaginative in terms of solving problems, and along with seeing that we are all in this together. The element of wood is Spring-like. It highlights growth, imagination, creativity, idealism, and compassion.
Planetary alignments for 2015
Pluto now in Capricorn (since 2008)
The last time Pluto entered Capricorn was in 1762-1778. Pluto in Capricorn breaks down and restructures governing systems, bureaucracies, old power structures, economies, and brings to the surface issues of authority and control that can no longer be of service to the evolution of humanity. Pluto in Capricorn intensifies power struggles, and the old systems of oppression, while at the same time bringing about destruction and catharsis to those systems. This described the end of British rule and the will and power to shape the Constitution. With Pluto, once again, in Capricorn, the shaping forces around the governments return. Pluto brings to the surface what has been hidden and repressed in terms of these systems. (the forming of the USA constitution took place with Pluto in Capricorn.)
Personally, when touched by Pluto in Capricorn, we make a descent into the deep inner realm of the soul. Here we experience what has been exiled from our consciousness yet is in our body’s cellular memory. Pluto brings about letting go, and loss, confronts us with old identities that are no longer life sustaining, often accompanied by fear, shame, or self hatred and brings catharsis and rebirth through staying with the light illuminating the unconscious or the negative. This brings about reclaiming a vital part of the self that had been loss and is now reunited.
Uranus in Aries (since May 2010)
The last time Uranus entered Aries was in 1927. Uranus is the planet of liberation, rebellion, demonstration, revolution, as well as innovation, awakening, visionary perspectives, and attuning to the intuitive mind. Uranus jolts us into sudden and unexpected new realities/situations. In this way it wakes us up. It can disengage us from secure points of view, and cause sudden separations from what we have relied on and valued. It brings us to the present as it is, open, spacious, full of uncertainty, yet also full of potential gifts. It promotes radical change in our lives, of attuning to new ways of being that are more creative, freer, and life sustaining. It catapults us into new dimensions of being and aligns us with the creative powers within ourselves in collaboration and synchronicity with the Universe, the field of intelligence in which we live. In Aries, Uranus offers us new beginnings, and the impetus to take action, to try it to go for it, and the courage to begin new endeavors.
Dramatic lineup of 2015 – last of 7- Uranus Pluto squares, (beginning in 2012)
Mars activating them during the 1st half of the year,
In Cardinal signs – initiating and action orientated
Uranus in Aries, Pluto in Capricorn,
This lineup brings in the challenge of working with polarities that have gone to extremes, with the opportunity to birth a new paradigm of perception, consciousness, and social order for humanity and for ourselves. The call is for an understanding of our unity and to base actions on equality and interrelatedness with all life on Earth and Earth itself. Innovation, creativity, and pioneering new beginnings, along with contraction and crisis, (structures, economies, and foundations of governing and authority, need transforming), is the challenge and opportunity of this alignment. Pluto in Capricorn shows us the end of an era, that the structures that have governed us are no longer viable, (like economies based on endless growth), while Uranus in Aries brings the yearning for freedom, liberation from the old and activates visionary possibilities
Uranus squares Pluto (last exact March 16th)
The last exact square is Mar 16th 2015. Through 2015 and into 2016 it unwinds in its influence. Upheaval and Revolution, transforming and recycling the old for new innovative ideas, and receiving creative insight to embody a new paradigm; radical change of perspective, massive transfers of power, fueled by great drive for freedom. Many of us have felt its impact personally, especially those with the signs, Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn in their charts. We have experienced the breakdown of the old ways we have identified ourselves and as a reorientation takes place. Some of us experience the open, not knowing, place which is grounding us in the present, and some have taken off in new directions.
Peak dates of intensity, January 4,5,6, March, April 3,4,5
Mars in Aries in March brings more intensity
Jupiter in Leo, moves into Virgo on August 11, (through 8/9/16)
Jupiter is the planet of expansiveness. In the fire sign Leo, Jupiter brings out more expressiveness in all forms; It enlarges the themes of fire, drama, leadership, showmanship, intensity and creative possibilities. With Jupiter in Leo competitiveness can increase between leaders. When Jupiter enters the practical earth sign of Virgo, it brings us back to earth, to refine, adjust, be attentive to the details in matters. It brings forth the desire to serve along with practical solutions. Jupiter in Virgo will increase our concern and our inventive possibilities with energy efficiency.
Jupiter in Leo/Virgo squares Saturn in Scorpio/Sagittarius in May
Jupiter in its waning square with Saturn balances expansiveness with limitation. It is a time to take stock of situations, to slow down and consider how you are doing, how the situation/project is developing. It may be a time in the socio-economic realm where growth is limited and forward movement in the normal way is stilled or delayed. It’s purpose is for reevaluation of values and a need to re-orientate direction. We see this play out in the corporate realm and in community group endeavors as values and momentum are re-assessed so as to begin to attend to a new vision of what will next be unfolding.
Saturn in Sagittarius (Jan 2015 through 2017)
Saturn just entered Sagittarius as we make the turn into 2015. It was last in Sagittarius, November 1985 through 1988. Saturn limits, focuses, and concentrates one’s experience in the sign it occupies. It is through Saturn transits that we are offered learning experiences, which register through our whole being, physical, psychological, and spiritual. Our resistance to what they have to teach us causes suffering. When Saturn is in Sagittarius we are offered the opportunity to examine our beliefs, to truly know the foundations of our guiding philosophy. Collectively our points of view are challenged, (and old paradigm political views, and policies), with a driving force to get to the truth. A greater focus will be on education, immigration, world-wide trade policies, issues of Justice and the higher courts, and the publishing industry. During 2015, Saturn retrogrades back into Scorpio in mid June, until mid September, when it enters Sagittarius for the next 3 years.
Saturn in Scorpio (mid June to mid Sept, last past, since entering 2012)
Saturn in Scorpio intensifies all transformative process, uncovering hidden agendas. It challenges us in daily life to get beyond the superficial, and conditioned way of being, to access our depths and authentic self. It confronts us with our shadow and repressed emotions, to clear out our deepest attachments. It has the potential to transform through challenges in feelings and relationship. It brings determination, and perseverance toward all goals. As Saturn goes into Sagittarius it seeks to ground workable philosophies from insights gained during Saturn in Scorpio.
Neptune in Pisces, (last there in 1874-61).
With Chiron in Pisces since 2011
The Neptune and Chiron in Pisces can bring more attunement to the many dimensions in which we live and breathe, moving beyond only identifying with the physical. Rules are changing. People are able to break out of roles that have for so long held us in place and dictated how we could be with each other. (i.e. gay marriage) The oceans, music, the arts, spirituality, imagination, and meditation will all increase in concern and focus. (the mindfulness movement) The arts, music, and sound, and their role in healing will be accentuated. Prison and hospital reform will be up for us. Issues with refuges and large movements of people across borders will come to the forefront. Neptune in Pisces assists in dissolving the old paradigm.
Saturn squares Neptune (exact in November)
Here the Saturnian forces of limiting and defining, challenges Neptune’s open and elusive qualities, especially mass denial, escapism, unrealistic ideals. Saturn in Sagittarius is truth seeking. A new balance is seeking to take place between ideologies and practical realities, in order to ground new perspectives on reality. Neptune’s quality of compassion and tolerance seeks new understanding and inclusion within a larger container of human experience.
Mercury retrogrades in air signs, touching in on earth signs
With Mercury retrograding through the air signs, Aquarius, Gemini, and Libra, we explore the question, “What is the meaning of the relationships in my life?” It is best to reflect on how one creates and develops associations with others, bringing in a deeper awareness of what guides relationship for you. Air is the mental element, so we are likely to be looking at time management and communication with others. If there are problems in those areas they can be heightened during the Mercury retrograde phases. During the retrograde it is good to reassess your priorities and productivity, not pushing for forward movement during those times.
(January 21-Feb 11, May 18-June 11, and Sept. 17-October 9)
Venus goes retrograde on July 25th, at 0 Virgo, Direct on Aug 6th, 14 Leo
When Venus retrogrades it is a time to turn inward and review what it is we value. It is a time to honor relationship and review the give and take in all relationships. It is a good time to review finances. It is not a good time for investing as situations are unpredictable.
North Node moves into Virgo, leaving the sign Libra
With the North Node entering Virgo, collective and personal growth is through practical considerations. Focus will be greater on food, nutrition, health in general. Health care will be in the forefront and collective awareness can be supported by attention to our health and the health of our planet. Efficiency and energy efficiency as well as productivity will be an edge of collective growth. More attention will be given to the common man and woman and the middle class for the benefit of all.